Plastics processing machinery producer Krauss-Maffei is looking to lay off 10% of its 2,000 staff, with negotiations already underway with the works council in Munich.

Krauss-Maffei’s communication manager Matthias Andreesen told PRW.com that the move has been necessary because of declining orders. The company is trying to reach voluntary agreements to cushion the effect on staff, he added.
Andreesen said that the present situation is “not just a short decline, but a global change in the market and the tide is not going to turn this year – 2010 will also be a difficult year.

- The job cuts follow the introduction of short-time working last Autumn, the extension of the works holiday at Christmas and also after “temporary staff had been sent home - Andreesen revealed.

Despite the need to cut the workforce, Krauss-Maffei has expressed confidence in the future. Andreesen stated that the company has decided to invest €4m in a new paint line that will be known as the Surface Centre.